An excellent way to get a real feel for the Galápagos Islands and have a bit of adventure to boot is to combine a four-day cruise with a few days based at one of the Islands’ charming hotels.

Several ships offer these shorter cruises, including the MV Santa Cruz, which has quadruple and triple cabins with child discounts. A larger vessel with plenty of space to move around and good stability, she offers a number of features attractive to children such as a glass-bottomed boat from which to marvel at the multitude of vividly-coloured fish.

The eco-friendly Hotel Finch Bay is the only one with a beach. There is a large swimming pool, and walkways through flower-filled tropical forest. You can opt for extra activities such as sea-kayaking, mountain biking, and guided hikes, or just relax in a hammock on the sun terrace or in the Jacuzzi.

We’ve been there

"Dinner is at 8pm on the MV Santa Cruz but a child menu is available at 6.30pm. This worked well as the children all sat on one table and got to know and entertain each other in the bar while we parents enjoyed our evening meal." Janet Santamaria Fox, Manager, Manchester office.

A bit more time?

Try to find some time for mainland Ecuador, where you can stay on a family-owned ranch hacienda among snow-spangled volcanoes, go horse-riding and shop at local markets.

Weather watch

From Dec to Jun humidity is high with average temperatures of 26° to 30°C. There may be showers, but it is generally sunny. From Jun-Nov you may get some light misty drizzle. Temperatures average 20-24°C and the sea-water is cooler but it’s the best time to see aquatic life.

Top Tip

For holidays in the Galápagos, clothing ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include a wide-brimmed hat, long trousers and a wind breaker or light jacket.

Did You Know?

The Galápagos Marine Reserve is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.